Category Archives: Uncategorized

Govt. Mulling on Regularisation of Encroached Govt. Lands

Business & Economy, Nature, Uncategorized


Caption: D.V. Sadananda Gowda is seen unveiling the statue of freedom fighter Guddemane Appayya Gowda in Madikeri yesterday. His wife Dotty Sadananda Gowda is seen offering floral tributes.

Madikeri, Jan. 3:
The Government is mulling on regularisation of encroached government lands by making amendments to Section 94(C) of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, said Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda.

He was speaking at the launch of several works undertaken by various Departments at the Town’s Gandhi maidan after unveiling the statue of Freedom Fighter Guddemane Appayya Gowda here yesterday.

The government is contemplating on making amendments to the Revenue Act so as to give land rights to farmers who have taken up cultivation in C and D category lands in Kodagu district.

The Chief Minister also said the Services Guarantee Bill, which aimed at transparency in Governance, will be tabled before the Assembly in the coming session. As many as 152 functions under various departments will be brought under the purview of the Bill, he pointed out.

A medical college will be established in Kodagu, for which the funds will be earmarked in the forthcoming budget, he added.

Earlier, Madikeri MLA Appacchu Ranjan in his introductory address, said the State should submit Rs. 133 crore proposal to the Centre for checking Wild Elephant menace.

A medical college should be established in the district and ICU should be opened at District Hospital, Madikeri, he said.

Appachu Ranjan also urged the government to initiate measures for developing Talacauvery and Bhagamandala, construction of General Thimmaiah Memorial and KSRTC division for Kodagu.

Speaker K.G. Bopaiah said land has been identified for construction of DC office complex, Police Station at Suntikoppa, Ayurveda College at Virajpet and Medical College in Kodagu.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 03rd, 2012

Picturesque Coorg to get rail connectivity

About Kodagu / Coorg, Business & Economy, Uncategorized

Coorg or Kodagu is in a dilemma today on whether to accept the new development in the region or not. For decades people from Coorg district of Karnataka demanding railway route for the region and at the same time some traditional populace protesting it as such a development can harm the serenity of the terrain. Kodagu district of Karnataka, a prominent tourist place does not have railway or air connectivity. This isolation of the region surrounded by mountains, forest, fields and waterfalls has worked as blessing in disguise.

But now railway department has proposed a train route from Mysore to Madikeri, the headquarters of the district, and the survey is already undergoing. Recently, Minister of State for Railways K.H. Muniyappa launched the first stage of the preliminary survey works on the route at Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. The work relating to the preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey between Mysore-Kushalnagar-Madikeri will be completed in four months and the project would start in less than a year. According to K.H. Muniyappa, although the preliminary survey works were taken up from Mysore to Madikeri, the first phase of the project work would commence from Mysore to Kushalnagar. The project was expected to cost Rs. 600 crore.

M C Nanayya, Member of Legislative Council (MLC) and JD(S) leader from Coorg has a different opinion.
He said, “I am perfectly positive about extending railway line from Mysore to Kushalnagar. As this line goes through Belagola, Hunsur, Piriyapattana and Kushalnagar there is no threat to forest of private plantations. The route covers plains and government land and will not harm environment or farmers. But, I am against this railway line extending to Madikeri as the route goes through hilly terrain forest near Kushalnagar which is of 2800 ft height from sea level and Madikeri forest is 3900 ft height from sea level. The route is not necessary as this covers forest, hilly terrain and private coffee plantations and we can travel same distance by road in 40 minutes. As the route is environmental hazard and not eco friendly I will oppose such plan.”

Though, efforts were made to provide rail links to Kodagu during the tenure of the former Chief Minister late R. Gundu Rao who hailed from Kushalnagar but failed to fulfill the dream in his term. So, at last now the region is going to cheer up with new railway link.

“It is true that serenity of the region will be harmed, but any development we should accept. If railways come the travel will become cheaper. There are positive and negative points attached in it. Knowing such a type of development will harm the environment, it is difficult to accept,” Says Seetha Aiyanna, Vice president, Kodava Samaja, Bangalore.

But, Seetha Aiyanna and others residents of the region accept that protesting voices are becoming weak nowadays. Knowing the necessity of development everyone wants railway and air connectivity to this beautiful district.

source: http://www.TheSundayIndian.com / by N K Suprabha / Bangalore, January 07th, 2012

Kodagu forest circle gets CCF

Business & Economy, Uncategorized

Madikeri:
In order to utilise the experiences of the senior officers in the department and get them into field work, the State Government has upgraded all the 13 Forest Circles in the state to the level of CCF (Chief Conservator of Forests) Office from the Conservator of Forests, with effect from December 24, 2011.

Kodagu got the upgradation in the first list, others being Mangalore, Belgaum, Uttarakannada and Chikmagalur district’s Forest Circles and the district also got a new Chief Conservator of Forests in the form of J N Raj who took office on December 31, 2011. Raj told Express that the upgradation will help people, as the CCF level official work will be done here and the rest will be sent to Bangalore for their consent.

The rules and guidelines will become more clear, once the scope and limits of the office will be made public, he added. He added that he will first study the situation thoroughly here and plan accordingly, since the expectations of the people will be more once the office gets upgraded. He said that the vacancies in the department and man-elephant conflict will be the big challenges before the Forest Department.

Once the summer approaches, instances of wild fire will be more, which will make the elephants come out in search for water and food. As a result, they may scatter from the group and pass through residential areas and estates leading to crop loss, human and elephants deaths.

source: http://www.ibnlive.com / South> Karnataka / Express News Service / The New Indian Express / posted January 05th, 2011

Kodagu readies itself for CM’s visit today

Business & Economy, Leaders, Uncategorized

Kushanlanagar, Jan 1, DHNS:

In the backdrop of chief minister Sadananda Gowda’s scheduled visit to Kushalnagar and Guddehosur on January 2, MLA MP Appachu Ranjan held discussions with officers recently.

The MLA, along with deputy commissioner Dr Prasad and superintendent of police Manjunath Annigeri, visited Guddehosur, the native place of the CM’s wife Dati, and discussed about security aspects.

The CM is scheduled to visit his in-laws’ house in Ballur, followed by a visit to Chamundeshwari temple.

Then the CM will take part in a get-together party of Gowda community members, which will be organised at Gowda Samaja in Kushalnagar, informed Appachu Ranjan.

The MLA visited Gowda Samaja and inspected the venue. He also visited the helipad, where the CM’s helicopter will land. The MLA asked the SP to arrange for tight security during the chief minister’s visit. Zilla panchayat member B B Bharathish, BJP district president M N Kumarappa, DySP Paul Verma and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / January 10st, 2012

‘Huthri Festival’ celebrated in Dubai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


The celebration of Huthri (Puthari) festival and annual get-together of the UAE Kodavas was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai recently.

Ponnachetira Arun Kaveriappa lit the traditional thook bolcha (lamp) to formally inaugurate the celebrations. Melodious invocation was rendered by Balyatanda Reena Charmanna. The highlight of the day was a quiz competition and a written composition for children.

After feasting upon the traditional dish thambittu, happy hours were spent by the bar and the guests savoured an elaborate spread of Kodagu delicacies, followed by dancing to the traditional vaalaga.

Members of the Organising Committee Mr. & Mrs. Pebbatira Niranjan Cariappa, Mr. & Mrs. Shantheyanda Vikas Achaiah, Mr. & Mrs. Konganda Dilan Mandanna, Mr. & Mrs. Puttichanda Vignesh Aiyappa, Theethira Nanaiah, Machangada Kariappa and Mr. & Mrs. Apattira Chethan Somanna made the event a grand success

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / By Lipika Nanaiah / December 23rd, 2011

Bajaj Discover presents 6th Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Awards 2011, Anil Kumble Felicitates the Awardees

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, Maharashtra:

The awardees recognized were Ms Sujatha Burla, Mr Siddu S. Loute, Mr Shreedhara T S and Ms Bhumika Rajendra for their exemplary effort of transforming humans to heroes.

Bajaj Discover presents Dr. Batra’s 6th Positive Health Awards 2011, held at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall today witnessed Anil Kumble, the cricket legend felicitating this year’s positive health awardees. This was an initiative to honor significant people who live a positive life despite their physical disabilities. Four such heroes were awarded in the presence of about 1,000 people in appreciation of their laudable efforts and their outstanding courage in their endeavor against diseased and disabled conditions of life.

The winners for this year’s edition of the awards were recognized and selected by an eminent panel of jurists comprising of Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Ms. Anu Aga, Mr. Vivek Oberoi, Mr. R. Balki, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj and Dr. Mukesh Batra. The awardees recognized were Ms Sujatha Burla, Mr Siddu S. Loute, Mr Shreedhara T S and Ms Bhumika Rajendra for their exemplary effort of transforming humans to heroes.

In addition to a short biographic film on each awardee, attendees at the award function were treated to scintillating performances by the dance guru Shiamak Davar’s troupe of specially-abled children.

Admiring the spirit of the awardees, the Indian Cricket Legend, Anil Kumble, said, “I am immensely delighted to felicitate these heroes who have fought out the trials and tribulations in life and have created a niche for themselves in the society. The foremost rule of any sport is to never give up, no matter what, but to keep fighting till the end. These individuals have lived that never ceasing spirit and have successfully fought against all the impossibilities in life to create possible winning situations for themselves. I salute Dr Mukesh Batra and Mr Rajiv Bajaj for this extra-ordinary event and for the great work that they are doing to contribute towards such a noble cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder and CMD, Dr. Batras’ Positive Health Clinic Pvt. Ltd. said, “Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Awards salutes people with unyielding grit and unflinching determination, who have beaten all odds to overcome seemingly hopeless situations and have been dedicated enough to make commendable contributions to society. These heroes have demonstrated the strength of the human spirit and have proved that, all it takes to make a difference in the world is a strong will power and great positivity. The Positive Health Awards honor this spirit and re-affirm Dr Batra’s commitment to health and positivity.”

Reiterating his support to the cause, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd. said, “The Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Awards is a step in a noble direction and we are proud to be associated with this initiative for the second consecutive year. We firmly believe that the lives of these awardees will inspire and spread hope to others.”

About the Awardees:
Ms Sujatha Burla (32 years): A road accident that happened 10 years back changed her life forever making her quadriplegic with limited mobility below the shoulders. She is a TEDx speaker and a popular TV presenter for TV9 hosting a show called “Close Encounter with Suzy”. She has never suffered with bed sores in last 10 years as she practices yoga and physical exercises regularly. She provides counselling to paraplegic people and also addresses the NASA & ISRO scientists with motivational speeches on positive thinking and living. She has been running an orphanage for the past 3 years. She belongs to a middle class family from Hyderabad. Her father passed away few years ago. With no financial support from any of her 3 elder siblings, she earns a living and supports her mother too.

Mr Siddu S. Loute (25 years): Visually impaired since birth, Mr. Siddhu is a Mathematics prodigy fondly called as a human computer. By Class II, he had already memorized math tables up to 56 lakh and now claims to have memorized tables up to 99 crore. When provided with a date from the past or future, he can provide the exact day the date falls on. He has memorized 45,000 phone numbers which makes him a walking-talking telephone directory. He had also participated and won a prize in a popular television show on Sony TV called ‘Entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega’. His unique talent combined with his irrecoverable condition got him featured on a couple of TV channels such as TV9, Suvarna, Suvarna News, DD 1 and Sakshi. Overtly ambitious as he is, he has completed his LLB and aims to become an IAS officer with an honest intention to help the needy and the downtrodden. Son of a truck driver, he was abandoned by his family since the age of 5, and has since been living independently.

Mr Shreedhara T S (23 years): Mr. Shreedhara is 100% blind but he can read, write and speak English, Hindi and Kannada. He has developed a Kannada version of the text-to-speak software (first generation open source software) through which any visually challenged person can read, write and work on computers. The Knowledge Commission of Govt. of Karnataka has hosted his software named ‘E-Speak’ on its Kannada Wikipedia website to be used free of cost. He has hands on experience with Windows 98, Windows 2000/XP, Windows Vista, MS Office 2003. He can type at a speed of 35-40 wpm and has extensive knowledge and experience in using the internet. Coming from a farmer’s family, his parents practice farming in a village in the Shimoga District of Karnataka. Currently, his father has come to Bengaluru and has been assisting him in pursuing further education in computers.

Ms Bhumika Rajendra (9 years): She was only 3, when she had an elevator accident and had to get her right leg amputated above the knee. In spite of this disability, she had always wished to excel in Bharatnatyam and classical singing and would constantly practise to turn her dreams into reality. Though the artificial leg that was fitted to her knee was akin to an alien, she accepted it as a vital part of her being and has ever since been pushing her limits to excel in the Bharatanatyam dance form. During her dance sessions, there have been instances when her skin used to give way and the stump bled. And every time that happened she thought of giving up, but she fought unceasingly against all odds with a positive spirit. She has performed with the famous Kannada cine actor Sridhar at a “Zee Kannada” programme organized by Zee TV Network in Bengaluru. She has given many stage performances and has been extensively covered by various publications. She belongs to a lower middle class family from Kodagu District in Karantaka and her father works as a lecturer.

source: http://www.indiaprwire.com / HealthCare/Hospitals> Awards /
December 15, 2011 /India PRwire/

Helping Hands. Touch of joy to less privileged

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There is always a steady stream of visitors at the Spastics Society of Karnataka. On Friday, a privileged bunch dropped in, bringing joy to the special children at the Society.

Nine members of the Indian national hockey team, accompanied by coach Michael Nobbs, medical doctor Lt Col BK Nayak and selector AB Subbaiah, delighted the excited kids, who jumped up in happiness.

“It’s brilliant if you can put a smile on the faces of these kids,” said an emotion-choked Nobbs, who initiated the visit arranged by Hemophilia Federation (India) vice-president Vikash Goyal. “Every moment of their life is a such a huge struggle. Most of these kids haven’t done anything wrong in their life, yet they have to undergo such a painful ordeal. We just spent 10 minutes in every classroom, probably less than a minute with every kid, but their joy was incomparable.

“Some of them watch TV, and could thus identify a couple of the Indian players. The next time they see us play on TV, they will be saying ‘These people came and visited us.’ Most of us are so privileged and yet we keep complaining about the smallest of worries. The players too sometimes feel they haven’t got their due. This visit will make a world of difference to their thinking.”

The group spent two hours touring the facility, interacting with several kids. It was obvious that most of the players were deeply moved by the plight of these children for whom life has been a struggle since birth.

“I am just lost for words,” said a teary-eyed Indian captain Bharat Chetri. “You really feel for the kids and for their parents. Apart from the continuous pain of watching their kid suffer, their parents also have to work doubly hard to raise them. Hats off to them,” added Chetri, easily the most popular man with the kids alongside local player VR Raghunath.

Such visits are being planned by Nobbs on a regular basis. A few days before the Champions Challenge last month, the entire team had met patients at Pune’s Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, which houses several war veterans.

“We will be doing this regularly,” observed a humbled Nobbs. “As humans, we need to give back to the society in whatever way possible. I heard about how Vikash Goyal lost his 12-year-old son a couple of years ago to haemophilia. It is really heart-breaking. We just did our bit in the smallest manner possible.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Home> Sports / DHNS / Bangalore, December 16th, 2011

Walk, smell the coffee

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , ,

Pushpanath ‘Push’ Krishnamurthy is tired. A campaigner with Oxfam, UK, he is just back from a fortnight-long, 540-km walk across Karnataka for what he calls “climate justice”. “After walking 30-40 km every day for half a month, it’s tiring to not walk anymore,” he says, leaning back in his chair at the office of the Centre for Social Markets, a Bangalore-based non-profit that promotes climate change dialogue and socially sustainable entrepreneurship, where he is currently on an externship.

In a white chikankari kurta and jeans, his face framed by a cloud of unruly salt-and-pepper hair, Krishnamurthy looks every bit the eccentric Gandhian. He is brimming with stories from his journey, timed to coincide with the UN climate conference in Durban, South Africa.

“I met 30,000 people in 16 days. Hordes of people joined me on various legs of the walk, welcomed me into their homes, shared their stories, fed me and garlanded me. I felt like Bono without the sunglasses,” he says, laughing. Krishnamurthy began his walk, backed by CSM and the Karnataka Growers’ Federation, on November 25 in the hills of Chikmagalur, descending two thousand feet in the next few days to pass through Hassan, Coorg and Hunsur and finally arrive at Mysore. Along the way, farmers and coffee growers filled him in on the climatic variance of the past few years and how it was affecting their crops. He visited villages ravaged by unseasonable bouts of rain and explained in chaste Kannada the correlation between human activity and climate change. He blogged every day and gave interviews to radio and local papers, attracting a posse of supporters aged seven to 80. “Most of them hadn’t heard of the Durban talks. They thought I was a crazy old man. Some called me a parisara vaadi, a climatologist. I told them I am just a regular guy with irregular hair,” he says, lightheartedly.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / IE> Story / by V Shoba / December 18th, 2011

Hyderabad International Fashion Week kicks off

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports, Uncategorized, , ,

The first day of the Hyderabad International Fashion Week kicked-off in grand style with designer Asmita Marwa showcasing her chic, earthy collection.

Fashionistas and socialites trooped in early and snagged the seats on the front rows and patiently waited even though the show started a tad bit late. Asmita’s friend actor Siddharth made his ramp debut as her showstopper. After pulling the the ramp act off with elan, he confessed to the audiences that he was nervous about tripping over! Guests hit the lounge and bonded with each other over drinks after Asmita’s show.

The second show – Sanjana Jon’s much anticipated one – began way behind schedule. Socialites like Kavitha Reddi, Preeti Rao, Nikitha Reddy, Santa Jon, Geetu Jethwani and others even left the venue, thanks to the long delay. But once the show began, all was forgotten.

Famed playback singer KJ Yesudas’s son Vijay Yesudas kick-started the show with a soulful Hinglish track. Models and actors showcased her trendy collection. There was no dearth of star power for Sanjana’s show as she had not one, but close to 15 showstoppers! Ace shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa, actors Subbaraju, Shawar Ali, Bindu Madhavi, Harshvardhan Rane, Asmita Sood, Sonia, Rahul Haridas, Sana Khan and other tinsel town stars walked the ramp and cheered on Sanjana, who was all smiles as Vijay Yesudas crooned “Why This Kolaveri Di” on the ramp along with the designer and the showstoppers.

Spotted: CM’s wife Radhika Reddy with her daughter Niharika, Mayor Karthika Banda Reddy and Chandra Reddy, Jwala Gutta, Vasuki, Deepti Reddy, Keerthi Narshimachar and Anu, Dalem Sehgal, Rummy, Beenu Singh, Kavitha Gulecha, Mala Pasha, designer Ishita Singh, Malini Alexander, Dr Kiran Krishnamurthy and many others.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Life & Style> Fashion> Shows / by Abhishek Raja / December 17th, 2011

Suzlons environment campaign PALS crosses one million members

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Uncategorized

Launched about four months ago by Suzlon the Pure Air Lovers Society (PALS), registered over one million members. Suzlon is claiming that PALS is among the fastest growing campaigns of its kind in the country, exceeding an average of over 9,000 registrations per day.

PALS is a movement to emphasise the importance of clean air, while helping to educate people on how to live a more environmentally responsible life. The PALS campaign website provides innovative informational and educational tools for engagement with the campaign.

The website hosts tools like the PUC check reminder, carbon calculator, carpooling information, list of green vendors among others.

The campaign, launched in Mumbai, has expanded across 86 cities, with New Delhi now leading registrations, followed by Mumbai and Bangalore.

Commenting on the campaign, Suzlon Group’s global head of brand Dharini Mishra said, “This has been a hugely successful campaign. In the beginning we saw participation from 18-24 years-old age group, but we have seen broad based interest and participation spreading into the 25-34 year old bracket.

Interestingly, people who went to graduate school are over-represented at PALS and this is skewed towards metros in the country. We are confident that registration with PALS is only going to grow and this will fuel a more conscientious and empowered people”.

PALS is supported by likes of Milind Soman, Anil Dharker, Gerson da Cunda, RJ Malishka and Nikhil Chinappa among otheres. PALS first initiative GaadiBandh focused on educating people on the importance of turning off vehicles at signals thereby helping to reduce pollution emissions from idling vehicles in Pune.

PALS is a movement to emphasise the importance of clean air, while helping to educate people on how to live a more environmentally responsible life. The PALS campaign website provides innovative informational and educational tools for engagement with the campaign.

The website hosts tools like the PUC check reminder, carbon calculator, carpooling information, list of green vendors among others.

The campaign, launched in Mumbai, has expanded across 86 cities, with New Delhi now leading registrations, followed by Mumbai and Bangalore.

Commenting on the campaign, Suzlon Group’s global head of brand Dharini Mishra said, “This has been a hugely successful campaign. In the beginning we saw participation from 18-24 years-old age group, but we have seen broad based interest and participation spreading into the 25-34 year old bracket.

Interestingly, people who went to graduate school are over-represented at PALS and this is skewed towards metros in the country. We are confident that registration with PALS is only going to grow and this will fuel a more conscientious and empowered people”.

PALS is supported by likes of Milind Soman, Anil Dharker, Gerson da Cunda, RJ Malishka and Nikhil Chinappa among otheres. PALS first initiative GaadiBandh focused on educating people on the importance of turning off vehicles at signals thereby helping to reduce pollution emissions from idling vehicles in Pune

source: http;//www.articels.economictimes.indiatimes.com / News> News by Industry / by Mitul Thakkar, ET Bureau / December 13th, 2011